Venus

Been a while: After having a meaninful convo. with an Sr. co-worker about the beauty of the human body seen in Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" I thought I'd share the painting and some thoughts. To her, Venus' beauty is two-fold: natural and symmetrical. And yet, she admitted that this classic beauty feeds into culture's beauty standards--nice skin, hair, and balanced form. However, upon reflection I wonder if Venus symbolizes more than just a beautiful body; could she also symbolize a balanced inside/soul? And isn't that really true beauty?, what we all strive for? Here's to balance! Here's to recognizing the Goodness within us all! http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://pda.88000.org/wallpapers/36/The_Birth_of_Venus,_Sandro_Botticelli.jpg&imgrefurl=http://pda.88000.org/36__

Feb. 2nd Seeing Hawks

So how to defeat the snow dump? Get out! I didn't care how long it took me to dig out; I just did it! Perusing through Borders, I lol-ed to the book "Why Men Marry Bitches" and used a gift card to purchase the ON SALE "The gift of Yoga" book and dvd to institute a balanced morning ritual:) Who knew I'd randomly meet a stats teacher from SLU who emailed me fun, easy to read stats texts such as "Discovering Statistics Using SPSS: And Sex and Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll" haha! I feel way more prepared for my last class--the capstone research paper-ooooh!

I guess the animal symbology site was right--I've been seeing hawks everywhere! (well, before the snow) and yes, I googled what seeing hawks meant, and the most meaningful line to me was: "The hawk has keen eyesight, it is about opening our eyes and seeing that which is there to guide us." Thus, I really think all these little tid bits of the day build up to delight me, guide me, and push me in the right direction.

Wings

We all need space to dream.
We all need friends to share those dreams with.
We all need people who can see those dreams too.
We all need to envisage those dreams through.
We need courage and faith and perseverence and prayer.
We need time to muse to get down into that juicy, real layer.

That's why I thank you.

Sneak Peak at Red Rocks Commentary

In looking back at some of my most significant memories with nature, I stumbled upon my 2008 trip to Colorado. Artistically, spiritually, and physically my hike at Red Rocks was a hi-light of my life so far. This picture reminds me to zoom in on the "good stuff." I guess sometimes we have to narrow our sites on the "smaller" picture to focus on the beauty in our lives vs. the struggles or irritations of daily life. I hope this little diamond view of the burnt sienna rocks brings joy and a sense of calm to all who see this post:)

Hawaiin Dreams

Possibility!

Awakenings peek-a-boo with me from the center of yellow lilies

I feel the balmy breeze rush past my ears and race past my cheeks, bringing a flush to the surface

sitting, sitting, sitting, waiting patiently with my legs crossed like a skilled Yogi

Dolphins splash! and I latch onto a fin, pulled deep into seagreen waters, purified by the wet